Keeping Chickens Cool in Summer Heat

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!

Are frozen treats really dangerous? Should you close the coop to keep hot air out? Does ice water hurt chickens?

Summer is full of advice about keeping poultry cool—but not all of it is accurate. In this episode of Poultry Nerds, Jennifer Bryant and Carey Blackmon tackle some of the most common heat stress myths they see online and explain what actually helps birds survive hot weather.

Drawing from current research and years of practical experience raising poultry, they discuss ventilation, shade, cool drinking water, fans, broody hens, obesity, breed differences, and why simply "giving them shade" isn't always enough. Jennifer also shares what has worked on her own farm during extreme heat and why understanding your environment is just as important as understanding your birds.

Whether you raise backyard chickens, Coturnix quail, or other poultry, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction and better prepare your flock for the hottest days of the year.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Common heat stress myths and what the research says
• Whether ice water and frozen treats are actually harmful
• Why ventilation is often more important than shade alone
• Practical cooling methods that have worked on Jennifer's farm
• Why broody hens are at greater risk during hot weather
• The relationship between obesity and heat stress
• Signs your birds are coping—and signs they need immediate attention

Supporting Partner

This episode of Poultry Nerds is brought to you by Show Pro Feed. Their support helps make free, research-backed poultry education possible while allowing us to continue sharing practical information for backyard poultry keepers.

Learn more about Poultry Nerds, browse our Research Library, and explore additional educational resources at https://www.PoultryNerdsPodcast.com.

Support the show

Feel Free to email us at - [email protected]

Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds

Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com

EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!

ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.

Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!

Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]